Dec 15, 2017, 13:05 PM by Fred Speer

With a holiday to-do list a mile long and seemingly not enough time to get it all done, worrying about the lawn and shrubbery around your home is probably the last thing on your list.

The Clark Man, however, is concerned about the health and appearance of your yard. While December may seem like an odd time to do anything about it, it’s actually the best time to take those proactive steps to ensure that when spring arrives, your lawn is looking its absolute best.

Mike Andrew, a corporate quality assurance manager for Clark Pest Control, reminds homeowners that December and January are the time to have a pre-emergent herbicide applied to their shrubs and flower beds to prevent weeds – such as annual grasses, clover, and dandelions – from taking root and coming back in the spring. February through May is the timeframe to apply pre-emergent herbicides to lawns, but that’s right around the corner.

“No one likes weeds,” Andrew says. “By making a preventive application now, homeowners can rest easy that their lawns and beds will be weed-free come spring.”

Over the winter, lawns establish deeper roots when conditions – cooler temperatures, increased moisture – are more conducive to growth. Andrew recommends having an application of winter fertilizer done to promote root growth, which will set your lawn up for a healthy spring and summer.

Andrew also reminds people to adjust their winter lawn-care practices, which include:

• Lowering mower height to give grass more sunshine and air movement, and prevent the potential for disease and fungus
• Fertilizing with a special winter blend that promotes root growth
• Remembering to water lawns and plants at least once a week, even with cooler temperatures

Aside from the aesthetic appeal of a lush green and weed-free lawn along with weed-free flower beds, you can save money by taking a preventive approach now, rather than paying for additional treatments in the spring to eliminate weeds or stimulate grass growth.

Andrew says Clark customers can add weed control and lawn fertilization services to their Year-Round Pest-Away® service plan and enjoy the peace of mind that their pest and lawn care needs are covered.

Clark Pest Control’s turf and ornamental specialists will design a customized weed control and lawn care program for you that reduces insect and rodent harborages, protects your valuable lawn and landscape plants from invasion, and enhances your property's overall appearance.

If your yard looks like it needs a little love and attention this winter, call or text (800) WE-NEED-YOU (936-3339) or drop me an email at clarkcares@clarkpest.com

Until next time I’m the Clark Man, and thanks for helping me keep unwanted pests out of your home and yard.